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La Plata Electric Association is closer to establishing a utility-scale battery energy storage system after the La Plata County Board of Commissioners lifted a seven-month moratorium. New land-use regulations allow battery storage facilities to be built 200 feet from residential property lines, down from 330 feet, while maintaining 100-foot setbacks for vacant parcels and public rights of way.

The regulations were adjusted after public input, with ongoing concerns about safety and fire hazards raised by opponents. LPEA received a $2 million grant for a battery storage project at its Shenandoah substation, aimed at improving grid reliability. The project still requires a comprehensive land-use review process.